Close X
Saturday, November 2, 2024
ADVT 
India

Your dedication shines like steel: PM Modi hails Indian soldiers

Darpan News Desk IANS, 31 Oct, 2024 11:52 AM
  • Your dedication shines like steel: PM Modi hails Indian soldiers

Kutch, Oct 31 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday continued his tradition of celebrating Diwali with the Indian armed forces. He spent the festival with soldiers at Lakki Nala in Gujarat's Sir Creek, where he lauded their dedication towards the nation.

Extending his warm wishes, PM Modi lauded the commitment and dedication of soldiers stationed at this challenging border area.

Greeting the soldiers with chants of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai," PM Modi began by extending Diwali greetings to them.

"On this sacred land near Sir Creek, it is my privilege to celebrate Diwali with you. When I celebrate with you, the joy of Diwali multiplies. This Diwali is special as Lord Ram has finally returned to his temple in Ayodhya," he said, noting the symbolism of this year's festival.

PM Modi also expressed his gratitude on behalf of India's 140 crore citizens, recognising the courage of the soldiers defending the nation in extreme conditions.

"You serve in regions where temperatures drop below zero in the mountains and where searing heat and desert storms test your resilience. Your dedication shines like steel, intimidating any enemy who attempts to challenge us," he said.

Lauding the Indian Navy's role in securing Gujarat's coast and countering anti-India conspiracies, PM Modi highlighted the strategic importance of Kutch, particularly during the 1971 War.

"This region has always been a target, yet India's forces have guarded it firmly. Today, with our Navy here, no adversary dares cast an eye on Sir Creek," he said.

The Prime Minister assured that India's borders were non-negotiable and recalled the past challenges of diplomatic efforts to take over Sir Creek, which he had opposed as Gujarat's Chief Minister.

"Our policies reflect the resolve of our armed forces, not the words of our enemies," he stressed.

PM Modi highlighted India's strides in modernising its Defence sector by emphasising on building an 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.

Citing the inauguration of the C295 factory in Vadodara, he noted that India is now building indigenous submarines, aircraft carriers like Vikrant, and fighter jets such as Tejas.

"We are moving towards a self-reliant Defence sector. Our Defence exports have increased thirty-fold over the past decade," he said, commending the armed forces for creating a list of over 5,000 Defence items that will no longer be imported.

The Prime Minister also addressed the importance of drone technology as modern warfare evolves, stating, "Drone technology is now a vital tool for surveillance, Intelligence, and combat. India is advancing in this field, with predator drones being acquired and local startups manufacturing indigenous drones."

He underscored the ongoing integration of India's three armed forces under the Chief of Defence Staff, with efforts directed at establishing an Integrated Theater Command.

"I often say that there is one Army, one Air Force, and one Navy. However, when they conduct joint exercises, we see them as 111," he remarked.

Highlighting India's infrastructure improvements, PM Modi said that more than 80,000 kms of border roads have been built over the past ten years, along with strategic tunnels, such as the Atal Tunnel, to ensure connectivity in remote areas.

The Prime Minister spoke of the Vibrant Villages scheme, aiming to develop hamlets along India's borders.

"We have redefined these areas not as the last but as the 'first villages' of our nation. Our vision is to turn these into vibrant tourist zones, just like the Rann Utsav in Dhordo," he said, sharing plans to establish mangrove forests and economic zones in the region.

PM Modi concluded by sharing sweets with the personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF), Army, Navy, and Air Force, bringing Diwali cheer to the remote and strategic area of Lakki Nala near Sir Creek, which has historically been a challenging border post under BSF vigilance.

 

MORE India ARTICLES

ED raids multiple premises in Nalanda in money laundering case

ED raids multiple premises in Nalanda in money laundering case
Separate teams of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday conducted raids at four places in Bihar’s Nalanda district as part of a money laundering investigation related to cryptocurrency. According to sources, individuals involved in the racket used a gaming app called FIEWIN to dupe people.

ED raids multiple premises in Nalanda in money laundering case

Wanted criminal part of Rohit Godara gang arrested from Italy

Wanted criminal part of Rohit Godara gang arrested from Italy
Amarjeet Bishnoi, a key member of the Canada-based Rohit Godara gang, has been arrested from Italy after he was detected there by a special team of the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) in Rajasthan. Bishnoi, who was carrying a reward of Rs 50,000 on his head, has been arrested from Trapani, a small fishing village in Sicily.

Wanted criminal part of Rohit Godara gang arrested from Italy

Trump incident sparks safety debate for PM Modi amid growing ‘political hostility’

Trump incident sparks safety debate for PM Modi amid growing ‘political hostility’
Analysts are now evaluating the ramifications of the recent assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump. There is a growing perception that such incidents reflect a trend where individuals resort to violence to amplify their voices, supported by certain segments of the political class driven by personal agendas.

Trump incident sparks safety debate for PM Modi amid growing ‘political hostility’

Piyush Goyal holds talks with UK and EU on free trade agreements

Piyush Goyal holds talks with UK and EU on free trade agreements
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, held bilateral discussions for deeper economic ties and moving ahead on free trade agreements (FTAs) with his counterparts from the UK and EU on the sidelines of the G7 trade ministers’ meeting at Reggio Calabria in Italy, an official statement said on Wednesday.

Piyush Goyal holds talks with UK and EU on free trade agreements

IANS Interview: PM Modi wants India to become a 'developed society' by 2047, says Niti Aayog Vice Chairman

IANS Interview: PM Modi wants India to become a 'developed society' by 2047, says Niti Aayog Vice Chairman
Following the release of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) report that reiterated India’s position as the world’s fastest-growing economy, Bery discussed strategies for growing the nation into a developed society by 2047, working with the private sector, the role of agriculture, development of states, and lessons for the Global South from India’s experience.

IANS Interview: PM Modi wants India to become a 'developed society' by 2047, says Niti Aayog Vice Chairman

Delhi HC reserves verdict on CM Kejriwal's plea challenging his arrest by CBI

Delhi HC reserves verdict on CM Kejriwal's plea challenging his arrest by CBI
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday reserved its verdict on a plea filed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal challenging his arrest by the CBI in the alleged liquor policy scam. A bench of Justice Neena Bansal Krishna also reserved its verdict on CM Kejriwal’s plea seeking release on interim bail.

Delhi HC reserves verdict on CM Kejriwal's plea challenging his arrest by CBI